South Africa is nature’s VIP lounge. It packs 10% of the world’s plant species into just 2% of Earth’s land surface. Add 7% of all reptiles, birds, and mammals, plus 15% of coastal marine species, and you’ve got a natural heritage worth honouring.
“South Africa’s natural endowments are as unique as our rainbow nation, so why not make it a central part of our Heritage Month festivities?” asks Pavitray Pillay, Head of Business Development and Marketing at WWF South Africa.
Ready to celebrate? Here’s your to-do list:
1. Explore a National Treasure – From 22-28 September 2025, SANParks opens the gates to most of our 21 national parks, with entry for locals being completely free. From Table Mountain sunrises and Kruger’s Big Five encounters, to experiencing Addo’s elephants up close, it’s all yours for the price of showing your SA ID.
2. Embrace Indigenous Flavours – Turn your Heritage Day braai into a biodiverse feast. Source indigenous and sustainably harvested ingredients to prepare traditional South African dishes like rooibos-infused marinades, wild spinach sides, or amaranth-based breads.
3. Raise a Glass to Conservation – Visit WWF Conservation Champion wine farms recognised for their commitment to sustainable farming. It’s wine tasting with a purpose.
4. Plant a Legacy – Get your hands dirty for a good cause by planting indigenous species recommended by your local nursery. Every seedling sustains local ecosystems and fights back against invasive plants.
5. Join a Local Clean-up – Roll up your sleeves and make an instant impact by participating in an organised clean-up at a local beach, park, or river. Doing so directly protects South Africa’s ecosystems from pollution. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about leaving a natural space better than you found it.
6. Choose Eco-Tourism Adventures – Book that whale watching trip to Hermanus or that Drakensberg tour you’ve been dreaming of. When you choose responsible eco-tourism operators, your adventure money directly funds conservation work. You get incredible experiences. Wildlife gets protection. Everybody wins.
7. Adopt an Animal (Symbolically) – Whether you’re wild about whales, passionate about penguins or love lions, a symbolic adoption from WWF lets you play a real role in protecting South Africa’s natural heritage. Your support directly funds vital conservation work on the ground. As a thank you, you’ll receive an official adoption certificate, a digital photo, a plushie and regular updates on the impact you’re making. It’s a gift to nature and to yourself.
“Our biodiversity is a core part of our South African identity and a legacy we must protect for future generations. This Heritage Month, I challenge all citizens to actively connect with our precious natural inheritance. Let this be our collective promise that we will act as dedicated guardians for the wildlife and wild spaces we are so lucky to call our own,” concludes Pillay.